Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on August 4 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Louis Armstrong Full name: Louis Daniel Armstrong Born August 4, 1901 — died July 6, 1971 Jazz trumpeter, singer, bandleader, composer, and foundational American music figure. Armstrong transformed jazz by […]
Michael Jackson “Please go for your dreams. Whatever your ideals, you can become whatever you want to become.” — Michael Jackson Michael Jackson believed imagination and hard work could break any boundary. His message continues to inspire dreamers around the world. Wear the history: Michael Jackson — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.
Honoring those we lost on August 3 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Letitia Woods Brown Full name: Letitia Christine Woods Brown Born Oct 24, 1915 — died Aug 3, 1976 Historian, educator, researcher, community activist, and Black academic pioneer. Brown became the first Black woman to earn a […]
What happened on this day. These are the August 3 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1936 — Jesse Owens wins Olympic gold in the 100-meter dash On August 3, 1936, Jesse Owens won the 100-meter final at the Berlin Olympics in 10.3 seconds. His first of four gold medals made […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on August 3 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Isaiah Washington Full name: Isaiah Washington IV Born August 3, 1963 Actor, producer, author, and television and film performer. Washington built a wide-ranging career across Black independent film, major studio […]
Nina Simone “I’ll tell you what freedom is to me: no fear.” — Nina Simone Nina Simone lived her art as protest and liberation. Her definition of freedom was simple — to exist and create without fear. Wear the history: Nina Simone — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.
Honoring those we lost on August 2 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. James Jamerson Full name: James Lee Jamerson Born Jan 29, 1936 — died Aug 2, 1983 Bassist, Funk Brothers member, Motown session musician, and modern bass innovator. Jamerson’s melodic, deeply rhythmic bass lines helped create the […]
What happened on this day. These are the August 2 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. 1790 — First United States census begins under the three-fifths system On August 2, 1790, the United States began its first federal census. Enslaved Black people were counted in a separate category and only three-fifths […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on August 2 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. James Baldwin Full name: James Arthur Baldwin Born August 2, 1924 — died December 1, 1987 Writer, essayist, novelist, playwright, poet, and civil rights voice. Baldwin became one of America’s […]
James Baldwin “Love takes off masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.” — James Baldwin Baldwin’s words reflect his lifelong call for honesty and self-acceptance. He saw love as a radical force for truth and liberation. Wear the history: James Baldwin — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.